Topping up your income
Topping Up Your Income
Bursaries, Scholarships & Departmental Awards
If you have worked out your budget before coming to university and find there is a shortfall, you should consider taking a look into available Bursaries and Scholarships. Bursaries and Scholarships are awarded for a variety of reasons, such as household income, academic achievement or skill. You need to secure most (if not all) before coming to university. Each scholarship or bursary will have different entry requirements and you will often need you to submit an application before a deadline - so make sure you research this before starting university.
You should also reach out to your prospective department to see if they have additional funding to offer. Further to this, they may be able to make you aware of any departmental award schemes that they run through the course.
Part-time Work
Finding a part-time job that you can work around your studies is a great way to earn extra cash and build up your personal skill set. There are lots of job opportunities on and off campus.
For more information about available opportunities, as well as important points of consideration (e.g. National Insurance and Income Tax) check out the following web pages:
Surveys & Panels
Did you know that you can get paid to complete surveys? Save the Student has compiled a list of websites you can sign up to earn extra cash:
Did you know that you can also register to be on the University's Student Panel where you will be asked to take part in surveys and online focus groups. You could receive an Amazon voucher or be entered into prize draws depending on the work you undertake. For more information, you can complete the Student Panel RegistrationLink opens in a new window form.
Selling Old Stuff
If you have stuff laying around that you no longer use, you may be able to earn some cash by selling! Not only is this potentially beneficial for your purse/wallet, it also promotes sustainability by re-using items!
If you want to sell old textbooks, CDs/DVDs or tech, check out websites such as Music Magpie. You can take a look at Save the Student's guide, How to Sell Used Books OnlineLink opens in a new window and/or How to Sell DVDs, CDs and Games OnlineLink opens in a new window for helpful tips and guidance.
If you want to sell old clothes you no longer wear, check out websites such as Vinted. You can take a look at Save the Student's guide, How to Sell on VintedLink opens in a new window for more information.
Utilising Your Skills & Hobbies
You could even try topping your income creatively through your skills and hobbies. Save the Student has a lot of different guides on how to make money in this way such as:
Check out their Make Money Link opens in a new windowsection for more ideas!
Remember, you may be liable to pay tax from your additional income (e.g., surveys, online work, selling your crafts etc) - check out Money Saving Expert's Tip on TaxLink opens in a new window from the Boost Your IncomeLink opens in a new window guide
Government Benefits
Most students aren't eligible for Government Benefits (e.g., Universal Credit) but there are certain exclusions to this. Turn2Us have created an informative guide, Full-time Students and BenefitsLink opens in a new window which you can take a look at if you think you may be eligible to receive benefits whilst studying.
Remember, if you do receive Government Benefits as a student, this could have implications on your student funding package from Student Finance England. Check out our dedicated webpage, Students Who Are Eligible for Benefits or Who are Aged 60 or OverLink opens in a new window for more insight about this.
If you are awarded the Warwick Bursary and receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) then you may be eligible for the Additional Bursary on top. Check out the Warwick Bursary information on our Bursaries and ScholarshipsLink opens in a new window webpage for more information.
